Here's a "protest song" I've written about the PEL proposals. I sang it for the first time at Bedford (UK) Folk Club last night (Kings Arms - 8.30pm Thursdays). It seemed to strike a chord with everyone, so I promised to "publish" it on Mudcat so that anyone else who might feel like singing it at their club can do so (to help get the message across to people who might be unaware of what's happening).

My local Mudcat technical adviser (Steve Parkes) has nipped away for the weekend, so I can't ask him how/whether it is possible to post Midi or Noteworthy Composer files here. So, in the meantime, I'll just paste in the lyrics. If anyone wants the Midi and/or NW format files, with the tune, then send me a personal mail with your e-mail address and I can forward.

I haven't posted a song here before, so apologies if I'm inadvertently breaking any netiquette rules. Here's it is:

PEL Song

1.
Well the country's in a state, there's no denying
There's a lot to be dismayed about it's true
The price of houses, crime and immigration
Well at least we have our music, me and you

But the politicians say they have the answers
They've looked around and think they know the score
And they've come up with some brand new legislation
To make our world a better place once more.

So if you want to sing a song you'll need a licence
If you want to play a tune, fill out a form

If you want to Morris Dance then you really take a chance
If you don't complete the paperwork that's needed in advance

Don't think that what I'm saying couldn't happen
Oh believe me, I'm telling you no lie
For if they go and change the P E L laws
Then that'll be the day the music dies.


2.
Well you might think this law will make life quieter
Yet pre-recorded music is alright
'Cause it's only live performers are affected
But pop CDs can play both day and night

Yes shops and bars can all turn up the volume
On speakers you can hear a mile away
But if you want to sing a Christmas Carol
Then for a P E L you must pay.

So if you want to sing a song you'll need a licence
If you want to play a tune, fill out a form

And if these rules you mock
Then they'll have you in the dock
And before you even know it,
You'll be playing "Jailhouse Rock"

Don't think that what I'm saying couldn't happen
Oh believe me, I'm telling you no lie
For if they go and change the P E L laws
Then that'll be the day the music dies.

3.
No more evenings in the pub with songs and laughter
It's a plan I cannot understand
Do they think we'll sit at home and watch "East-Enders" like the rest
When they've killed off all the folk clubs in the land?

No Maypole dancing, Mummers plays or Morris
For these we hear the tolling of the bell
'Cause even if you just sing "Happy Birthday"
The law will say "You need a P E L".

So if you want to sing a song you'll need a licence
If you want to play a tune, fill out a form

Well you can burgle people's houses and get no custodial sentence
But do it while you're singing and they'll hound you with a vengeance

Don't think that what I'm saying couldn't happen
Oh believe me, I'm telling you no lie
For if they go and change the P E L laws
Then that'll be the day the music dies.


Copyright 2003 Julie Berrill, Milton Keynes, All Rights Reserved

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